3.5. SR 06-06-2011//
Elk REQUEST FOR ACTION
:River
To Item Number
Ma or & Ci Council 3.5.
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent June 6, 2011 Ross Pomeroy, GreenCorps Member
& Environmental Intern
Item Description Reviewed by
Resolution Directing that the City Purchase Printer Paper Rebecca Hau ,Environmental Admin.
Containing at Least 30% Post-Consumer Recycled Content and Reviewed by
Energy Star Certified Equipment Versus Normal Models (when
available)
Action Requested
Staff requests that the City Council adopt the attached resolution directing that only printer paper with a
minimum of 30%post-consumer recycled content be purchased and that Energy Star products be given
purchasing preference over their normal counterparts.
Background/Discussion
Environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) shifts city purchasing to procurement of goods and
services that have a reduced effect on the natural environment and human health when compared to
competing products and services that serve the same purpose. While life-cycle assessments offer the best
metric for determining what is the most environmentally preferable product and service, attributes are
commonly used as a proxy and include:
^ Increased energy efficiency
^ Reduced toxicity
^ Beneficial to indoor air quality
^ Water-conserving
^ Recycled-content
^ Minimized waste
Benefits
This policy will:
^ Allow the city to complete another best practice through the Minnesota GreenStep Cities
program.
^ Put us ahead of the current state requirement of purchasing paper with 10% post-
consumer recycled content.
^ Provide cost savings via reduced energy costs over the life of the product when
purchasing Energy Star models. Some products (i.e. televisions) use as much as 40% less
electricity than standard models.
^ Have almost no effect on current practices because we already purchase all of our paper
with 30% recycled content.
N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\06-O1-2011\EPP Policy.docx
Summary
The resolution is basically putting pen-to-paper on the common sense purchasing practices that city staff
already utilizes. Going forward, it will serve as a useful guide for all departments and garner the city of
Elk River further recognition within the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program.
Financial Impact
There will be no financial impact in regards to paper purchasing, because we already purchase 30% post-
consumer recycled varieties. As for Energy Star products, most have similar price-points to normal
models. For those that do cost more up-front, the vast majority will recoup their slightly higher up-front
costs over the life of the product.
Attachments
^ Resolution
Action Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
N:\Public Bodies\Ciry Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\O6-O1-2011\EPP Policy.docx
RESOLUTION I I -
A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THAT THE CITY PURCHASE PRINTER
PAPER CONTAINING AT LEAST 30% POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED
CONTENT & ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED EQUIPMENT VERSUS NORMAL
MODELS (WHEN AVAILABLE)
WHEREAS, the City of Elk River has always been a leader on common-sense actions that
benefit both the environment and the consumer; and
WHEREAS, the City of Elk River is already purchasing recycled paper with 30% recycled
content, exceeding a state statute requiring the purchase of paper with 10% recycled content;
and
WHEREAS, Energy Star certified equipment is more energy efficient, and very often more
economically feasible over the life of the product; and
WHEREAS, enacting this resolution will. allow the Ciry of Elk River to complete Best
Practice #15 under the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ciry Council of the City of Elk
River, by a majority vote, does hereby direct that the City purchase printer paper containing
at least 30% post-consumer recycled content & Energy Star certified equipment versus
normal models (when available).
Passed and adopted this 6`" day of June, 2011.
John J. Dietz, Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, Ciry Clerk